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What's open and closed in Halifax as COVID-19 restrictions ramp up

As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic washes over Halifax, restrictions on restaurants, bars, shops and services are being put into effect. This guide will help you keep track of public health guidelines as well as business and service closures.

Can't keep track of public health guidelines, and business and service closures? This guide will help

CBC News ·
Mannequins wear masks in the window of a clothing store in downtown Halifax in mid-November. (CBC)

New restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 are being introduced in the Halifax region — the current epicentre of Nova Scotia's outbreak.

The restrictions apply to western and central parts of the Halifax Regional Municipality, from Hubbards to Porters Lake. It also includes the communities of Enfield and Mount Uniacke to the north of Halifax, which are part of Hants County (see full map here).

They come into effect midnight Wednesday and will continue for at least two weeks until midnight Dec. 9.

New restrictions and safety measures will apply to western and central parts of the Halifax Regional Municipality, from Hubbards to Porters Lake and up to Elmsdale and Mount Uniacke, starting Wednesday at midnight. (CBC)

Here's a guide to what can remain open and what has to close under the new restrictions:

What's open

  • Public schools, with the exception of those where cases have been identified.
  • After-school programs.
  • Child care.
  • Hairstylists, estheticians and nail salons, except for procedures that cannot be done while a patron is masked.
  • Grocery stores, but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
  • Retail stores, but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
  • Liquor stores, including distilleries, wineries and breweries, but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
  • Pharmacies, but they must restrict shoppers and staff to 25 per cent of capacity.
  • Restaurants and coffee shops for takeout or delivery only.
  • Hotel restaurants for hotel guests only.

What's closed

  • Restaurant dining rooms, bars and nightclubs.
  • Gyms, recreational facilities.
  • Libraries.
  • Museums and art galleries.
  • Casinos.
  • Distilleries, wineries and breweries for in-house tastings — retail sales are allowed.
  • Sporting facilities for both practices and games, recreational and professional.
  • Faith activities, events and gatherings

Other guidelines and limitations

  • The gathering limit in public is five, or up to the number of members of an immediate family in a household.
  • Mandatory masking now applies to common areas in multi-unit residential buildings, such as apartments and condos.
  • No visitors in long-term care facilities, except volunteers and designated caregivers — this applies provincewide.
  • Non-essential travel into and out of the restricted region of HRM is discouraged.
  • Non-essential travel to other Atlantic provinces is also discouraged.
A sign posted outside a downtown Halifax restaurant in mid-November. (CBC)
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